Your dog is bored, stressed, or anxious.
Often they resort to some sort of compulsive or obsessive behavior like chewing or digging. These behaviors act as a relief valve for pent up stress and anxiety they're feeling.
More often than not, your dog is an aggressive chewer because he's easily bored. Think about when you were young and bored. You probably ended up doing something that caused trouble without ever really trying to start any. Dogs are the same way, so keep them busy!
Dogs can sometimes chew excessively or on inappropriate objects if there is an underlying problem such as anxiety, frustration, boredom, etc. Ensure your dog has sufficient daily exercise, most dogs need at least two walks and/or some play time in a safe off-leash area such as a dog park each day.
It is most important that you be patient with your dog while it is learning not to be destructive. This can be a slow process and may take several months or more. Some dogs have more anxiety and reluctance to learn new behaviors and may need long term medication and training until they feel confident on their own.
Owners report destructive chewing when the dog is anywhere between six and ten months of age. Different breeds and sizes of dogs hit this stage of development at different times. Severity of damage depends on the individual dog's level of pain tolerance.
Instead, punish your dog for chewing by scolding them and confiscating whatever they were nibbling on. Offer toys or chewing treats as a substitute that will keep them busy for hours on end. This will teach your dog that they should chew on only what they are allowed to, and help them satisfy their urge for chomping.
To relieve some of his stress when you are away, he may simply be distracting himself from boredom by chewing, scratching, shredding, or otherwise destroying furniture or other household items.
If you catch your puppy misbehaving, try a loud noise such as clapping your hands or a loud "uh-uh" or a sharp “off”. Remember, reprimands need to occur while the behavior is happening, preferably just as it begins, and never after.
Separation anxiety is triggered when dogs become upset because of separation from their guardians, the people they're attached to. Escape attempts by dogs with separation anxiety are often extreme and can result in self-injury and household destruction, especially around exit points like windows and doors.
The most common reasons for anxiety in a dog is abandonment, fear of being home alone, loud noises, traveling, and/or being around strange people, children, or other pets. We've also seen the anxiety in dogs that have been abused or neglected. The best way to treat your canine companion is to determine the cause.
Our pets do understand that certain actions violate family rules and will result in certain reactions. Cause and effect is a great lesson! Pets don't have to feel guilty to be well-behaved. But even if pets do feel guilty sometimes, let's not assume that their guilty looks are always based on their behavior.
Chewing on Objects
If your dog chews on or destroys household objects, this may be an indication of anxiety. Chewing on items is your dog's way of releasing their nervous energy. You may also find that your dog digs at doors or carpets, which is another telltale sign of anxiety.
Provide chew toys as both deterrents and distractions. Redirect your pet's attention from destroying furniture to destroying toys that you provide. Keep a close eye on the dog, and look for major improvements in behavior. Some pets tend to lose interest in their toys quickly, so continue to buy new ones when needed.
As implied, destructive behavior includes any action that is harmful to the dog or the household. That can include self chewing/licking, chewing/digging household items or structures (doors, furniture, drapes, clothing etc.) and soiling in the house. Protect yourself and your pet.
Use firm commands
Use firm commands when required to make your puppy stop biting. This goes for puppies of all ages. There is nothing wrong with quickly giving a loud and firm “No bite!” command if you feel a tooth at your hand. You also can yelp or say “ow” in a loud, high-pitched tone.
Physical punishment should never be a course of action following a puppy or dog bite. Tapping or popping them on the nose can be misunderstood and seen as being playful. This could also encourage more unwanted biting behavior. Hitting a dog, or being too rough with a dog, frequently encourages more biting as well.
The most challenging time of raising a puppy is the adolescent period. Dogs become “teenagers” and seem to forget everything they have ever been taught. This period is individual to each dog, but it may begin when he's about eight months old and continue until he's two years old.